Hey guys I just finished my 14 foot jon boat for fishing ponds. I have 2 batteries for my trolling motor to be on the safe side if I am out for a long time. My question is there a way (with a button or switch) where I can just switch from one battery to the other without taking the wires out and switching them that way.

Thanks John.

Why don't you jus get a couple of battery cables and hook both of them together.  That way you shouldn't have to do anything while you are out.  Just hook + to + and - to - so they are parallel.  I did that for a long time when only 12v was available.

You can use a marine battery selector switch like this one:

http://www.semarine.com/store/product.php?productid=294&cat=204&page=1

I am with Jig Man.  2 batteries paralleled is one big 12 v battery and should reduce wear and tear on the batteries.  Ann-Marie, can you elaborate.

What JigMan said.

Why don't you jus get a couple of battery cables and hook both of them together. That way you shouldn't have to do anything while you are out. Just hook + to + and - to - so they are parallel. I did that for a long time when only 12v was available.

Ok thanks guys. Now just to make sure, the wires from the motor go to one battery, then I connect the 2 batteries together with another set of wires?

Ok thanks guys. Now just to make sure, the wires from the motor go to one battery, then I connect the 2 batteries together with another set of wires?

Yes that will work.  

Don't forget to charge your batteries ASAP after each outing.  This will increase lifespan.  Uncharged batteries left to rest will greatly decrease lifespan.

Are the batteries the same age size and brand?  Does that make a difference when using/charging?

You don't have to match the batteries when used like this in parallel.  Batteries only have to be matched when in series to make 24 or 36 volts.

My preference has always been to use both batteries in parallel - that way you minimize the depth of discharge.  You don't have to decide when you are half way through the day's fishing and switch to the other.

However it was pointed out to me that if you use one at a time, then you KNOW when you have used half the available power and don't get caught with two dead batteries.